Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary are now attending every home burglary, after a pledge to roll out the policy nationally was announced by the National Police Chiefs' Council.
The National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) have confirmed this move today, following a commitment last year by all police chiefs in England and Wales, informed by research on the most effective way to tackle burglary. The evidence shared by the College of Policing set out how rapid police attendance at scenes can increase victim satisfaction, help with investigations, and prevent future crimes.
NPCC Lead for Burglary, Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, said:
“I am pleased that all forces are now able to fulfil the commitment made last year by police chiefs to attend all residential burglaries.
“Although the fulfilment of this commitment is a milestone in itself, it is only the first step. We want to be bringing more offenders to justice, we want to be gathering more evidence, and we want to be improving detection rates. We expect to be judged on the results the public see.
“The changes to Home Office Counting Rules is also welcome, and I thank the Home Secretary and colleagues in government for their support in introducing these changes.
“Burglaries are an insidious crime. They do not just involve the loss of personal possessions, which in itself is very distressing, but they are also extremely invasive and can make people feel unsafe in their own homes.
“The number of burglaries is at an all time-low, down more than 50 per cent over the past decade, but we are not complacent. We will continue to prioritise preventing these offences, targeting repeat offenders and organised crime groups and solving as many burglaries as we can.”
Commenting, Leo Docherty MP said:
"Burglary is an invasive crime, one which deeply impacts on the way an individual and family can feel about their own home, personal safety and security.
"That is why I welcome this news that Police Forces across England and Wales, including our own force here in Hampshire, have fulfilled the commitment made to attend all domestic burglaries.
"Domestic burglary has fallen by 23% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and I am committed to supporting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to crack down on this terrible crime."